AhmandonkWhile many women state their worst fear is breast cancer, lung cancer is now actually the biggest cancer threat to women – it accounts for the same amount of cancer-related deaths as breast and gynecological cancers combined. Along with the obvious lifestyle choices – such as not smoking – diet may play a role in preventing or lessening the risk of developing lung cancer. Make the following changes:
- Add more antioxidants. Apples, tomatoes and oranges are especially helpful in nourishing the lungs.
- Add carrots, yellow squash and dark, leafy greens for their lung-cancer protective carotenoids.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
- Eat whole soy foods – their phytoestrogens may have a protective effect.
Keep in mind that dietary carotenoids are your best source. While supplemental mixed carotenoids may offer some benefit, you should avoid taking isolated beta-carotene if you are, or were, a smoker – higher doses may actually increase the risk of lung cancer.
